The Chapman History
The Chapman House was founded in 1887 after about ten years of work by the Ladies Charitable Society, a group of women from different religious denominations in Auburn, devoted to a relief to the worthy poor of the City of Auburn.
A Home Built on Compassion
The Chapman House was first made possible after Mrs. Angelia Whitman donated her property at 13 South Goff Street in memory of her parents. Others in the community also provided financial assistance and Mrs. Whitman and Miss Sara Johnson were the first ladies to reside in the home.
When the home was open there were sufficient funds to employ a matron at $10.00 per month and meet other operating expenses. Contributions to the home included cash, furnishings, and food. Prominent businessmen aided in management and fundraising. By the end of the fourth year, the facilities had been enlarged and improved, a nurse added to the staff, and there were ten ladies to care for.
Mr. Stephen S. Harvey willed a residential property he owned on Pleasant Street to the Home, plus $5,000 in cash, as a site for the new Home for Aged Women, apparently having in mind that the existing brick dwelling would be remodeled for that purpose. After Mr. Hersey’s death in 1913, the Board of Managers accepted the legacy. Looking into the future, the Board decided to demolish the existing building and erect a new one that would be adequate for the years to come. With the assurance of financial backing, the Board proceeded with the plan.
The new facility provided rooms for twenty residents, parlors, a dining room, kitchen, and office space and living quarters for the matron. The building was designed and furnished to lend a home-like atmosphere to the residents. The third floor was, and still is, utilized for storage.
On July 22, 1915, The Chapman House was moved to a new home. The South Goff Street property was sold to the late Guy M. Foss. That building was later purchased by Auburn Water and Sewerage Districts and eventually demolished to make room for their new office building and garage.
The debts incurred in construction of the new residents for The Chapman House were entirely paid off at the end of twenty years, certainly a tribute to the dedicated work of the Board of Managers and the matrons through those years.
The first Chapman House
A Holiday Meal with the Residents
The Chapman House in the 1960s
Modern Living with Historic Charm
The building is maintained and updated on a regular basis but the historic charm and features are kept in tact. We have a lovely brick exterior and inside you can find beautiful wood paneling throughout the home.
The Chapman House Grows
In 2004, a wing of the home was renovated adding rooms to the building, creating an activities space, and an administrative wing. Additional sitting areas were added throughout that section of the house to provide even more areas for women to congregate or have peaceful reading time outside of their room.
Beautiful Gardens
Throughout the years, we have developed a peaceful courtyard, installed a fountain, and grew a beautiful garden. The women now help to maintain the garden and some of the produce grown is used in our kitchen where our chef creates fresh and healthy meals.
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I have worked at The Chapman House for 25 years and the charm of the building never gets old. I am proud of the history we have supporting women in need.
Sheryll Seger, Activities Director
Request Your Brochure
Interested in learning more about The Chapman House? Request a brochure to find out more and then reach out to schedule a tour.
